Pregnancy Glossary H - M
H
Haemoglobin (Hb)
Iron-rich colouring matter of red blood cells which carries oxygen.
Haemorrhage
Bleeding (usually used to describe severe or internal bleeding).
Hamamelis
Another name for witch hazel - useful for bruises where the skin is broken.
Heartburn
Painful or uncomfortable feeling in the chest experienced after eating or lying down and very common during pregnancy
Hydramnious
Increased amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby
Hypertension
Blood pressure is raised
Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis used to help alleviate difficulties such as anxiety, phobias, addictions or depression
I
Immunity
Protection against disease. May be natural, or acquired through contact with a disease or vaccination.
Implantation
If an ovum (egg) is fertilized successfully, then implantation will occur roughly seven days later
Induction
Artificial method of starting or accelerating labour carried out by midwife or doctor.
Inherited conditions
Common examples are cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease; thalassaemia
J
Jaundice
Yellow discolouration of skin and white part of eyes. May be symptom of liver infection or disease.
K
Kegel Exercises
See Pelvic Floor Exercises
Kick Chart
A chart used during pregnancy for the mother to record the movements made by her baby
L
Labour
Labour is the process by which the womb contracts and the cervix dilates in order for the baby and placenta to be delivered
Lacerations
Cuts or tears in the skin
Lanugo
Down-like hair that covers the baby in utero
Lie
Term used fopr position of foetus in the womb.
Lightening
Relief from pressure experienced by mother if womb descends lower into pelvis late in pregnancy (see Engagement).
Linea Nigra
Dark vertical line from the belly-button to the pubic area caused during pregnancy by the body producing more melanin
Lithotomy Position
Position for labour where the woman lies on her back with her knees bent and her feet supported and held in place by lithotomy poles
LMP
Last menstrual period. First day of LMP is needed to estimate expected date of delivery or EDD - used on notes.
M
Mobile Epidural
An anaesthetic injection involving a combination of drugs injected into the spine which aims to remove the pain of contractions while leaving the mother some mobility.
Monitoring
Refers to the checking of your baby's heartbeat during childbirth with a Pinard (a hand-held 'ear trumpet'), a Doppler (Fetal Monitor) or an Electronic Fetal Monitor EFM.
Montgomery's Tubercles
The prominent gland openings within the areola of the breast, which usually occurs in early pregnancy
Morning Sickness
Nausea which in most cases stops at around 14 weeks, and is caused by excesses of the hormones oestrogen and human chorionic gonadotrophin which are at their highest in early pregnancy. Various remedies include Acupuncture, Acupressure, Homeopathy, Reflexology and Hypnotherapy.
Moulding
Shaping of baby
Multipara
A woman who has delivered two or more children
